Building construction



July 23, 1940. J. A. PEABODY BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed May 1, 193'? {1 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

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July 23, 1940. J. A. PEABODY BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed May-1; 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. \70-HN za "14 TTORNEYS.

July 23, 1940.

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed May 1, 19s? 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 ,l/j I: 7

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J. A. PEABODY 2,208,814

Patented July 23, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 6 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in structures embodying reinforced concrete members, and it has reference more particularly to the construction of structures in which the framework as a Whole or in part, especially the columns, girders, beams and the like, and which may also include the slabs, struts, braces, etc., is made up of precast reinforced concrete members assembled and united on the job.

It is the principal object of the invention to provide a building construction of the character above stated wherein the various precast reinforced concrete members are so designed, assembled and united that throughout the structure there will be a continuity, from member to member of the three basic stresses; namely, compression, tension, and shear. It is also an object of this invention to provide the precast reinforced concrete members with novel connectors, rigidly fixed to the reinforcing of their respective members in a manner whereby these become integral with the members, and thereby, when the members are assembled and united in a structure, provide for 25 transferral of any stress in the reinforcement; for transferral of compression stresses in the concrete, either direct orinduced; and, between connected members, for transferral of shear stress in the concrete whereby to provide a positive path for complete continuity of stress.

Still other objects of the invention reside in the details of construction of the connectors. and in the manner of connecting them to the reinforcing of their respective members, and also in the 35 manner of joining connectors of adjacent structural members.

Furthermore the present invention resides in means for and the methods of constructing precast or partially precast reinforced concrete 4D structures wherein the precast member can be made; pretested, individually or collectively, and

50 vide a construction, as above recited, which in no way departs from the adopted theory of reinforced concrete design, nor requires any special shapes of reinforcing other than those used in accepted present-day practice.

55 Other objects of this invention reside in the details of construction, the combination of parts, and mode of operation, as will hereinafter be fully described.

Inaccomplishing the various. objects of the invention, I have provided the improved details of 5 construction, the preferred forms of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherem--- Fig; 1 is a plan view of an assembly of columns, girders and beams in a structure embodying the 10 present invention.

Fig. 2 is a detail, in elevation, of one type of connection between a column and a girder.

Fig. 3 is a cross section, showing the connection of aligned beams with a girder, and also 15 showing the connection of floor slabs across the girder.

Fig. 4 is a cross sectional detail of a connection between sections of a vertical column.

Fig.5 illustrates in perspective, the connectors for joining beams to a girder, or for'joining girders to a column.

Fig. 6 is a plan View showing assembly of precast T-beams with a column.

' Fig. 7 is a cross section taken on line 'l-'! in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a cross sectional detail, showing the manner of joining floor slabs, etc.

Fig. 9 is an elevation view of a floor slab, particularly illustrating the connector plate.

Fig. 10 is an elevation illustrating the anchoring or tying of a slab to a girder or beam.

Fig. 11 is a cross section on line ll-|l in Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a perspective of one of the connectors used on the slab.

Fig. 13 is a detail of an X-frame construction.

Fig. 14 is a cross section on the line l4-l4 in Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is the detail showing the manner of tying a strut to a vertical member.

Fig. 16 is a sectional detail illustrating the connection of floor slabs through'a column. Fig. 17 is a sectional detail of connected slabs.

Fig. 18 shows an elevation view of the connector plate.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of complemental connector members.

Referring more in detail to the drawings- Particularly with reference to Fig. 1, A designates the columns, B the girders between the columns, and C the beams extending between girders. These members are typical of presentday building construction and are of concrete, reinforced in accordance with the'theory of reinforced concrete design as limited by building codes. Each of the vertical columns may, if desired, be made continuous throughout its length, with connectors for associate Ynembers at any desired point through a plurality of stories; or, as herein illustrated, it may comprise a plurality of short sections disposed end to end and provided at their meeting ends with details of the present invention.

In Figs. 2 and 4, there has been illustrated one means of joining or connecting the sections of a column. In these illustrations, l and 2, respectively, designate metal connector plates embedded in the adjacent end surfaces of the column sections Al and A2. These plates may be of circular, rectangular, or any other suitable shape; this generally being dependent upon the cross sectional shape of the columns to which they are to be applied.

Preferably, the plates would leave an adequate core of concrete, as required by building codes for direct bearing. Also, the longitudinal reinforcing bars, or rods, 4 in the column sections are permanently fixed, by welding or otherwise, to these end plates, thus to unite the plates permanently and solidly with the reinforcing. The plates, when cast on the end of the column, pro- J'ect somewhat beyond the core, yet within the fireproofing of the column to permit them to be connected together with bolts or rivets in slots or holes as shown in Fig. 5 or by the welding together of the edges of the plates, thus to join the column sections together.

In Figs. 1 and 2, I have illustrated a preferred means of joining girders to columns. It will be observed; more particularly by reference to Fig. 1, that each girder B is equipped at its ends with a connector; composed of a plurality of angle lengths 6 arranged in one or more pairs, and equipped across their back faces with integral strong backs and shear plates 25. Also, similar angle lengths T in pairs and equipped across their back faces with integral strong backs and shear plates 25 are fixed to the columns A. Tie rods 8 are embedded in the column and, as seen in Fig. 2, have their inner ends fixed to cross plates l0 and their outer ends extended from the column and permanently fastened by welding or otherwise in the base leg of angle lengths T to secure the latter to the column and effect a transferral of stresses.

The angle lengths 6 are disposed in paired relation vertically spaced and with their base legs embedded flatly in the surfaces of the girders with their outer legs placed back to back and inserted between the angle lengths I, likewise disposed vertically with one base leg embedded flatly in the surface of the column and their outer legs spaced to receive angle lengths 6. When assembled together, the girder is rigidly and permanently made integral with the column by welding angle lengths 8 and 1 together; or bolts I2 or rivets are applied through the intermeshed legs, as is clearly shown in. Fig. 1, thus connecting rigidly the girders to the column and effecting a continuity of stress from one girder to the other.

When a column is arranged to support girders at opposite sides, as shown at the upper right hand side of Fig. 1, the tie rods 8 may extend through the column to angle lengths provided with integral strong backs and shear plates at opposite sides thereof, as distinguished from those shown in Fig. 2, in which the tie rods terminate within the column.

In Figs. 1 and 3, I have illustrated means for supporting beams from a girder which is similar to that used to support a girder from a column.

Each beam C is equipped at its ends with a connector; composed of a plurality of angle lengths 6 arranged in one or more pairs, and equipped across their back faces with integral strong backs and shear plates 25. Also similar angle lengths l in pairs and equipped across their back faces with integral strong backs and shear plates are embedded flatly in the side surfaces of girders Band joined through the girder by tie rods 8. The reinforcing rods 26 of the beams, like the reinforcing rods of the girders, are secured permanently to the angle lengths 6 at both the upper and lower ends thereof according to the design of a given member or as has been illustrated.

Where it is desired to use precast floor slabs,

herein designated by reference numeral 2?, in

Fig. 3, these slabs would be made in standardized sizes, or in sizes required to fill desired openings, and would be reinforced with the usual rods 28 in sufficient number for adequate reinforcing.

As shown in Fig. 3, adjacent floor slabs 21 are supported at their edges on a girder B which is shouldered as at 29, to seat the lower corner edges of the slabs and hold them against slippage. The reinforcing rods 28 of the slabs project from adjacent vertical edge surfaces of adjacent slabs, in close, overlapped relations and are joined together permanently by welding as at 39. Also, the stirrups 280. that protrude from the top of the girder or beam are welded to the rods 23. Then, the intervening space between slabs is filled with plastic concrete as designated at 3!.

As illustrated in Fig. 8, the adjacent vertical edges of juxtaposed slabs 21 would be interlocked so that weight applied on one would be partiallysustained, through the interlock, by the adjacent slabs. As herein illustrated, each slab has a plate 40 embedded therein flush with the vertical surface of the slab. The plates are anchored to the reinforcing rods 26 of their respective slabs, and, when assembled together, bosses ll that project from the face of one plate 40 extend into sockets 42 in the face of the opposite plate thereby to lock them together. These plates may be of various patterns, but preferably would be of the type of construction illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9.

Preferably those slabs 2! that overlie girders and beams would be attachedthereto, as illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11 to produce a T-beam action similar to that found in monolithic concrete construction with its greater economy. In the illustration of Figs. 10 and 11, 32 designates anchor plates of a T section embedded across the top of the girder or beam and secured to the girders or beams by stirrups 33 that are embedded in the girder concrete. Likewise embedded in the under surfaces of the slabs 21 are plates of T section 34 which are attached to anchor rods 35 in the slabs. Slots cast in slab 27 expose ends of the connectors 34 and aid in the welding of 32 and 34. When the slabs are placed in position across the girders or beams,

their plates 34 are made to coincide with the plates 32 and these coinciding plates are then secured by bolts, rivets or preferably by welding them together along their edges as designated at 36 in Fig. 11, thereby to provide a path for the transferral of horizontal shear stress.

A preferred form of precast T-beam is shown in Figs. 6 and '7 wherein 50 designates beams that are cast with an integral slab portion 50a extended from :either one or both sides, and to a substantial distance from the beam portion. These T-beams are joined to the column in the same manner as the girders in Fig. 1 are joined and they preferably would have the corner portions at the ends-of the beams beveled, as at 52, so that an assembly of beams about the four sides of a column or at one, two or three adjacent sides, could be fitted together in Contact. In this arrangement the anchoring of the attaching bars for the beams is made with the reinforcing in the same manner as illustrated and described with reference to the girders and columns. Also, the floor slabs and beams would have connectors at points of contact of said slabs, beams and columns.

In Figs. 13 and 14 I have illustrated a form of X-frame, showing the adaptability in connecting members from varying angles, in which one leg or strut 58 is continuous and the other comprises upper and lower aligned parts 59 and 60, joined to the strut 58 by attachment devices, which, in all material respects, would be like those used to attach beams to the opposite sides of a girder or column, thus illustrating further the flexibility of this method. A modification of the connection is illustrated in Fig. 14 wherein 6| designates a channel iron length that is embedded in the end of part 59, while 62 and 63 are complemental parts attached to or embedded in the structure 58; the channel BI and parts 62-453 being joined together by bolts 64, as seen in Fig. 13. Here also welding may be substituted for rivets or bolts.

The use and attachment of strut 65 to a vertical member such as a column is illustrated in Fig. 15, wherein a gusset plate designated at 10, is used to unite the angle bars H fixed to the strut and bars 12 fixed on the column. This is another method of tying together members meeting from varying angles. By the use of gusset plates in this manner it is readily seen how members approaching one another from any angle may be joined.

Figs. 16 and 1'? illustrate the joining of slabs together or to a column. In these views, 15 designates plates that are embedded in the vertical faces of the slabs and to which the ends of reinforcing rods are anchored by welding or otherwise. These plates have shear flanges 16 projecting inwardly therefrom to which the reinforcing rods are anchored. When slabs are assembled, the plates come flatly into registration and are united by welding along their edges as shown at 11 in Fig. 17. It is the intention in this arrangement, to countersink the edges of the plates below the top and bottom edges of the slab and to recess the slabs accordingly. Then, after welding is completed, to fill the recess, as shown at 18 in Figs; 17 and 18.

Where slabs are joined to one or more opposite sides of a column, the column would be equipped with the plates 15 as shown in Fig. 16.

In Fig. 19 is illustrated a set of anchor or connector plates of a preferred form for column, girder or beam connection. These complemental plates 80 and 8! are equipped on their adjacent faces with interfitting flanges 82 apertured to receive bolts or rivets. On their inner faces are the shear flanges or strongbacks 25a to which the reinforcing rods of the beams or girders are secured. Lug B3 aids in placing the member and allows it to rest or hang between flanges 82 until the connector is securely welded, riveted, or bolted into place.

It is to be understood that I have, in the illustrationsand-the foregoing description, set forth what are now. preferred types of connectors whereby beams, columns, slabs, girders, struts and'the like may be interconnected for the purpose of effecting a continuity of stresses from one to the. other. It should be quite manifest that, without departing from the spirit of the invention and without efiecting any change in the results obtained, various modifications, or alternative constructions would be possible; and, furthermore, the type of connection might be varied considerably, dependent to a considerable extent upon the particular arrangement or kinds of parts that were to be united. These connectors may be fabricated from the various structural steel shapes such as Ts, Ls,1s, plates, and channels produced by any steel rolling mill, or they may be cast in any steel casting foundry of any desired grade of cast steel wherein the casting would be webbed, ribbed, or heavied up in any particular section to meet a given design.

. However, it is not intended that the present invention shall be limited to any particular type, or kind of connector between membersso long as the connection provides for efiecting the continuity of stresses as set forth at the beginning of the specification. .Also, other filler material than concrete could be used, such as brickmasonry, timber framing, or fitted wood blocks, etc. It might be well to state that another construction that would besatisfactory, from the standpoint of results and continuity of stresses, would be obtained byfixing flat plates (having shear plates or strong backs on their inner faces) directly to the opposite side surfaces of the column or girder and fixing fiat plates to the ends of beams and girders and (also supplied with strong backs and shear plates on their inner faces) then, after bringing these flat plates into face to face contact, they could be united by welding or bolting about their edges, or otherwise. It might also be mentioned that this method ofconstruction applies also to other structures than buildings;

for instance, to bridges, towers, viaducts, shaft Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new therein and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. A building of the character disclosed-comprising precast, reinforced concrete structural members fabricated into a unitary structure; each of said structural members being equipped with connector plates embedded flatly therein at the point of connection and rigidly and permanently fixed to the reinforcing of the member thereby to become an integral part of the member said connector plates being flatly seated together, and means solidly joining the connector plates of associated members in face to face contact, whereby the reinforcing of one becomes a continuation of the other and provides for a continuity and transferral of stresses from one to the other.

2. In a building of the character disclosed, a

support having a connector bar flatly embedded in a face thereof, as an integral, rigid part of the support, and a supported member of reinforced concrete having a connector bar flatly embedded in the face thereof and connected rigidly and permanently with the reinforcing of the member; said bars of the support and of the supported member being flatly engaged one with the other and rigidly joined thereby to provide for continuity of or transferral of stresses between the parts.

3. A building structure of the character disclosed comprising a precast, reinforced concrete supporting member, connector bars embedded flatly in its opposite sides, tie rods joining the bars through the said supporting member and thereby uniting the connector bars as rigid, integral parts of the member; beams, or the like, of reinforced concrete, having connector bars flatly embedded in the end surfaces thereof and permanently and solidly connected with the reinforcing of the said beams thereby becoming integral therewith; said connector bars of the supporting member and of the beams being disposed flatly in face to face contact and rigidly jointed, thereby to effect a continuity of stresses from one part to the other.

4. In a building structure of the character disclosed, a vertical column of reinforced concrete, connector bars embedded flatly in opposite faces thereof, tie rods rigidly connecting the bars through the column, girders of reinforced concrete alined at opposite sides of the column and having connector bars embedded flatly in their end surfaces and fixed permanently to the reinforcing of their respective girders; said connector bars of the said column and of said girders being flanged; said flanges being overlapped and permanently secured together in a rigid connection, thereby providing a continuity of stresses from girder to girder through the column.

5. In a building of the character described, a support having a connector plate embedded flatly in a face thereof as an integral rigid part of the support, and a supporting member of reinforced concrete having a connector plate embedded in a face thereof and connected rigidly and premanently with the reinforcing of the member; said plates each having shear bars fixed to their inner faces and embedded in the concrete and said plates being solidly abutted face to face and rigidly united to provide for a continuity of stresses between the parts. i

6. In a building construction of the character disclosed, the combination with a reinforced concrete supporting beam, or the like, having connector plates fixed to the reinforcing of the beam and embedded in its top surface; of a reinforced concrete slab disposed across the beam and having connector plates embedded in its under face and fixed to the reinforcing of the slab; said plates of the slab being registered With the plates of the beam in face to face contact and solidly united therewith.

JOHN A. PEABODY. 

